“It has been the subject of much speculation...”

Date

5-20-1812

Newspaper

Charleston Courier

Page and Column

Page 3, Column 4

Newspaper Location

Charleston, South Carolina

Serial Number

369

Abstract

Article that equates government defense policies with the potential to defend against earthquakes and comets. From the United States Gazette

Transcript

It has been a subject of much speculation, what enemy the army now raising are destined to fight. The following extract from a potentical effusion in the National Intelligencer, explains the phenomenon. The object of the armament is to protect us from earthquakes and comets. Our country calls free men awake! Rise like the lion from his lair; Tho' comets rise, and earthquakes shake What man can do-that bravely dare If our countrymen can feel the [unreadable] of freedom glow, while perusing such heart appalling nonsense as this, they must, indeed, be patriots. Our redoubted author continues, SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE! Hear the plea, Stop, stop the carrage-see they flee- Oh! Cease to conquer for the GRAVE! Who the brother of the Spirit of Vengeance is, our author is not so kind as to inform us. But we will venture to assert that this is the first time this said Spirit was ever invoked to exercise mercy. The author again says, Guard then these blessing from the foe- Unfurl the standard--plant it High Strike strike, one great, one common blow; Live free, or in "the last ditch do!" We cordially congratulate the writer on the lucky escape of the last line. It was cruelty-it was downright monarchy, to hold it in durance vile, so long. Soldier! Thy bids thee fight, Thy feelings, [unreadable] the foe; Knowing thy wrongs, obey what's right, Nor dare to strike a coward's blow. As we do not wish to spoil the appetites of our readers for dinner, we forbear to enlarge. The author deserves much credit for having written such original nonsense.-United States' Gazette.

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS